A new trans-Tasman sporting frontier kicks off this weekend when the inaugural FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup is held in Woodville, New Zealand. To be held alongside the NZ Motocross Grand Prix, six-rider teams from Australia and New Zealand are now on location at the iconic venue.
Six-rider teams from Australia and New Zealand are now on location at the iconic venue.
Team Australia will be led by six-time Australian champion Charli Cannon (pictured) in her debut for Honda, and she will be joined by fellow ProMX stars Emma Milesevic (Honda), Madison Brown (Honda), Taylor Thompson, (Yamaha), Tayla McCutcheon (Kawasaki) and Madi Healey (GasGas).
After some last-minute reshuffling, Team New Zealand will be represented by Karaitiana Horne, Taylar Rampton, Breanna Rodgers, Hannah Powell, Letitia Alabaster and Melissa Patterson, with four-time FIM women’s motocross world champion Courtney Duncan also on hand to provide wise counsel.
The FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup will be held over three motos of 12 minutes plus one lap, which will be incorporated into the Woodville senior women’s races. The team which has the lowest score will be declared the winner.
The FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup will be held over three motos of 12 minutes plus one lap, which will be incorporated into the Woodville senior women’s races. The team which has the lowest score will be declared the winner. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for the 62nd Woodville New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix, with racing on both Saturday and Sunday (January 27-28).
Our homegrown talent has been battling it out on track and making us proud! Check out our monthly column that follows all things Aussies racing Internationally on and off-road, from MotoGP to AMA Motocross. See what our future and current champions are up to… Words: Ed Stratmann
The D34G Racing squad have confirmed they’ll be retaining the services of Oli Bayliss for this year, as he’ll be looking for a much better 2024 following an injury-interrupted 2023, which saw him struggle to produce his best.
Oli Bayliss – World Supersport
The D34G Racing squad have confirmed they’ll be retaining the services of Oli Bayliss for this year, as he’ll be looking for a much better 2024 following an injury-interrupted 2023, which saw him struggle to produce his best due to spending so much time on the sidelines.
The D34G Racing squad have confirmed they’ll be retaining the services of Oli Bayliss for this year, as he’ll be looking for a much better 2024 following an injury-interrupted 2023…
Eager to put in a strong off-season of training to hit the ground running at his season opening home round at the iconic Phillip Island circuit, he’ll be hoping to get the ball rolling in a positive direction from the off, as Bayliss is keen to repay the faith shown in him by his team.
Oli Bayliss will surely be hoping to get the ball rolling in a positive direction from the off at his home race of Phillip Island, as he is keen to repay the faith shown in him by his team.
“I’m very excited to be racing for Team D34G Racing again. I feel like last year I didn’t get to show my speed due to some injuries and unlucky moments. I really enjoyed being with these guys and I’m happy to be going around the clock one more time to show how fast we can be. A big thank you to all of my sponsors, supporters and the whole D34G Racing for giving me this opportunity,” he declared.
Team owner Davide Giugliano is equally looking forward to seeing what the hotshot can achieve. “Obviously I’m really excited to dive into this new season and I can’t wait to get to the track. I’m really happy with this year’s rider line-up. We will continue with Oli and for him it’ll be another season of growth and we’ll try to maximise the work done this year, which for him was a bit of an unlucky one due to injuries. In any case I’m happy with him and he surely has mine and the team’s full trust,”
Having impressed in the World Supersport Challenge series last term on his way to winning races and being crowned vice-champion, talented Australian Tom Edwards has secured a ride with the D34G Racing team for 2024.
Tom Edwards – World Supersport
Having impressed in the World Supersport Challenge series last term on his way to winning races and being crowned vice-champion, talented Australian Tom Edwards has secured a ride with the D34G Racing team for 2024, where he’ll be teammates with countryman Oli Bayliss.
Chomping at the bit to get stuck in and stamp his mark again in the Challenge category that competes in the European World Supersport rounds, it’ll be fascinating seeing if he can adapt quickly to the Ducati after being on a Yamaha.
Chomping at the bit to get stuck in and stamp his mark again in the Challenge category that competes in the European World Supersport rounds, it’ll be fascinating seeing if he can adapt quickly to the Ducati after being on a Yamaha.
“I’m very excited to be joining the D34G racing team next season and to be staying in the WorldSBK paddocks. I made a lot of progress towards the end of last season, and I’m looking forward to keeping that momentum going. I’m confident that the team and I will work well together and be competitive,” he said.
“It’ll be great to be under the leadership of team owner Davide Giugliano with all his experience. Can’t wait to get on the V2 and test it out in the new year, I think it’ll really suit my riding style. I’d like to thank Davide, the D34G team, my sponsors and my supporters for the opportunity.”
Jett Lawrence – AMA Supercross
Jett Lawrence began his first 450 AMA Supercross race in fine style by claiming a memorable victory to become the first-ever rookie in history to win on their premier class debut. Launching out of the gate masterfully to bank the holeshot, this saw him ideally placed to avoid the early chaos to ride his own race. And that he did, on his way to leading every lap against an absolutely stacked field at Anaheim.
Making a real statement with his seven-second win under the bright lights, there was no denying the gifted 20-year-old, who emphatically carried his exceptional form from last year into the season opener.
Making a real statement with his seven-second win under the bright lights, there was no denying the gifted 20-year-old, who emphatically carried his exceptional form from last year into the season opener.
Jett Lawrence began his first 450 AMA Supercross race in fine style by claiming a memorable victory to become the first-ever rookie in history to win on their premier class debut…
“It’s an unreal thing to grasp, winning my first 450 Supercross. With how many years the sport has been around, you’d think someone has done it before, so I’m definitely grateful and happy to do it for Honda; it’s an awesome feeling getting into the history books for them. The season’s off to a great start, and hopefully we can keep doing the same throughout the season,” explained a delighted Jett.
Sitting third in the standings and well and truly in the title hunt, he’ll be hoping to get back on the box. Photo: HRC.
Heading into the second round in San Francisco, and this bout certainly didn’t go to plan here because of the savage muddy conditions throwing a real spanner in the works for everyone. Forced to negotiate the rain and the sloppy and unpredictable conditions, Jett struggled to find his groove. To his credit, though, he fought through some missteps to claim ninth in the shortened main.
Next stop on the calendar was San Diego, which posed a great opportunity for him to rebound, in a round where the weather played its part too inside Snapdragon Stadium, with the rain making things challenging once more. Although it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as San Francisco, it still made the racing treacherous.
Starting the weekend with a nasty crash on press day, this left him with a jammed thumb. But, to his credit, the phenom battled the pain and a rough start to ride to a solid fourth. Engaging in a robust duel with Jason Anderson, the pair’s altercation after the race stole the headlines, with them clearly annoyed at one another in the heat of the moment. Jett has since apologised for his role in the disagreement. Sitting third in the standings and well and truly in the title hunt, he’ll be hoping to get back on the box when the series heads back to Anaheim.
Hunter Lawrence – AMA Supercross
Hunter Lawrence’s step up to the 450 class certainly wasn’t what he envisaged, as the Honda star failed to make the main event in Anaheim on his class debut. Enduring a night to forget that was littered with bad luck and adversity, the determined Aussie was justifiably disappointed afterwards.
“That obviously wasn’t how we planned for my 450 debut to play out, but there’s only one way to go from here, and it’s one I’m very familiar with: put my head down and get back to work,” he asserted.
With two consecutive top 10 finishes in the books as he adjusts to the 450 step, expect him to keep steadily improving.
Responding positively in the muddy quagmire in San Francisco, there was much to admire about how he rallied to secure a credible 10th. Ready for more at round three in San Diego his day at the office started off on the right foot, for he grabbed seventh in qualifying before the rain arrived.
Managing the hazardous track wisely to progress from his heat and into the main, it was terrific to see him claim a confidence-boosting seventh in the main. “We had a good learning curve. Unfortunately, our result didn’t really reflect the riding in the main event – I feel like we rode very well. A lot of positives and an improvement on last weekend, so we just have to keep on building. Our time is coming,” he told the HRC website.
Aaron Tanti – AMA Supercross
Making the full-time step to race 450 AMA Supercross for 2024, the former Aussie champion and WSX heavy hitter disappointingly suffered an injury after a nasty practice crash in the lead up to Anaheim 1. Forced to delay the start of his crusade, this latest setback came at a terrible time, for he’d only just returned to training following breaking some ribs at the WSX round in Abu Dhabi.
Making the full-time step to race 450 AMA Supercross for 2024, the former Aussie champion and WSX heavy hitter disappointingly suffered an injury after a nasty practice crash in the lead up to Anaheim 1.
“Well not the post I want to be doing leading into A1. Not long ago I had a practice crash and I thought everything was okay, but when I rode a few times after and I had some issues and unfortunately found out yesterday that I need to get them fixed. Devastated to say the least, but I’ll be back when I can to continue the series. Thank you to everyone supporting me and the whole PRMX team,” he stated.
Toby Price – Dakar Rally
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing star produced an accomplished showing in his 10th Dakar Rally to claim fifth in the brutal event. Riding with intelligence and consistency as he navigated the 12 stage slog smartly, his best finish was second in the final leg.
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing star produced an accomplished showing in his 10th Dakar Rally to claim fifth.
When speaking after the completion of the gruelling Dakar Rally, Price cut a reasonably content figure, saying: “For us, it’s definitely been a really tough event this year. Thankfully, it’s always a good result when you can get to the finish line in one piece at the Dakar, and here we are, happy and healthy.”
“Looking back over the week, we were never far off the pace, just made a few too many mistakes out there and as you know that can cost some serious time at Dakar. The whole Red Bull KTM team have been incredible over the two weeks and have worked so hard. It’s a shame we’ve not been able to reward them with a podium. Big credit to the top guys as well, they got it done this year, so congratulations to them.”
Daniel Sanders – Dakar Rally
Although his preparation for the iconic Dakar Rally was far from ideal courtesy of him suffering a broken femur back in May, the popular pilot put in a valiant effort to finish a very respectable eighth.
Although his preparation for the iconic Dakar Rally was far from ideal courtesy of him suffering a broken femur back in May, the popular pilot put in a valiant effort to finish a very respectable eighth.
Considering he underwent his final surgery in November, and this makes his achievement all the more impressive. Bagging many top five results and displaying just what a class act he is on the big stage, there was plenty to admire about his character-filled performance.
Bagging many top five results and displaying just what a class act he is on the big stage, there was plenty to admire about his character-filled performance…
“Coming in I didn’t have much preparation at all. I broke my femur really badly eight months ago and I only had December on the bike to prepare, so all I could really do was spend as much time on the bike as possible. But we were able to get the bike good and here we are at the finish line,” he shared.
Considering he underwent his final surgery in November, and this makes his achievement all the more impressive.
“My last surgery was only three months ago, and the bone still isn’t fully healed. I didn’t expect to be here back in November so I’m really happy to finish another Dakar. It’s certainly been a challenge this year and I’ve missed a lot of racing during the last two years, so my goal now is to stay healthy, then return bigger and better next year. I’ll be doing everything I can to make that happen.”
The official Ducati MotoGP and WorldSBK teams were presented at Madonna di Campiglio during the second edition of the “Campioni in Pista” event. Two-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, still sporting the number 1 on his fairing, is ready to embark on his fourth season with the Ducati Lenovo Team
The official Ducati MotoGP and WorldSBK teams were presented at Madonna di Campiglio during the second edition of the “Campioni in Pista” event.
The livery, predominantly Ducati Red, features a fluorescent graphic details. This design element is also present on the fairings of the Panigale V4 R Superbike of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team and on the new motocross bikes of the Ducati Corse R&D – Factory MX Team, which were unveiled on stage alongside the MotoGP bikes.
Reigning World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia is geared up to defend his Title as he proudly displays the number 1 on the fairing of his Desmosedici GP. Bagnaia will again be partnered with compatriot Enea Bastianini, who is entering his second year with the factory team. In the Superbike category, Alvaro Bautista’s Panigale V4 R, adorned with the number 1, will be accompanied by the Ducati featuring the number 11 of reigning Supersport World Champion Nicolò Bulega, who is making his debut in the category.
Francesco Bagnaia.
Francesco Bagnaia.
During the presentation the new Ducati Corse Sporting Director, Mauro Grassilli, was officially introduced. Paolo Ciabatti, the new General Manager of Ducati Corse Off-Road Division, took the stage to present for the first time the Ducati’s new motocross bikes, which will be entrusted to the nine-time Motocross World Champion Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino.
Everything is set for an exciting start to the new MotoGP season from 6th-8th February in Malaysia, where the Ducati Lenovo Team riders will make their first track appearance for 2024 in the official test session at Sepang.
Everything is set for an exciting start to the new MotoGP season from 6th-8th February in Malaysia, where the Ducati Lenovo Team riders will make their first track appearance for 2024 in the official test session at Sepang.
Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding): “It is a great pleasure to inaugurate another Ducati racing season in Madonna di Campiglio, a location that perfectly expresses the values of ‘Made in Italy’ of which we are proud ambassadors and which last year represented the starting point of an unforgettable season. The path that has led us to be the best in the world in racing is undoubtedly made up of the hard daily work of these years, but also of our ability to work as a team and have fun while putting our maximum effort into what we do. One of the strong elements of our brand is the ability to create a system and today we demonstrate this by jointly presenting the official teams for the 2024 racing season: the Ducati Lenovo Team, the Aruba.it – Racing Ducati Team and the novelty represented by the Ducati Corse R&D – Factory MX Team.”
“Seeing the three bikes next to each other was a great emotion for me because, although different from each other, they are part of a single project. This belonging is underlined by the basic colour of the liveries, Ducati Red, the same for all, and also by a completely new graphic sign that recalls the curve present in the Ducati logo, inspired by the most exciting part of riding a motorbike: the bend. At the same time, these bikes are also an expression of the path that Ducati has taken in recent years, investing in its future.”
“The entry into motocross is in fact the clear example that our will to improve and our desire to win have no limits. In these two days we will have the opportunity to give ourselves the right energy for a season that promises to be full of challenges, in which we will try to confirm our leadership in the main track racing world championships and demonstrate our capabilities in a new terrain such as specialist off-road. Challenges have always encouraged us to bring out the best and we feel absolutely ready.”
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager): “I am delighted to be back in Madonna di Campiglio to present our MotoGP and WorldSBK teams as World Champions. 2023 was truly an unforgettable year, and now we’re here to kick off the new season and embrace the challenges that lie ahead in 2024. In MotoGP, the Ducati Lenovo Team will feature World Champion Pecco Bagnaia alongside Enea Bastianini again. Unfortunately, Bastianini couldn’t showcase his full potential last year due to numerous injuries, but we are optimistic about his performance this season.”
“In Superbike, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, led by Alvaro Bautista on the Panigale V4 R with the number 1, will also line up the reigning Supersport World Champion, Nicolò Bulega, who is making his debut in the category. We couldn’t have asked for a better lineup to face the challenges of this intense 2024 season in both World Championships. We are aware that the other constructors are working hard, and I anticipate an even higher level of competition. However, I am confident that, thanks to the dedication of the Ducati Corse team during this short winter break, we will be well-prepared to defend the titles we earned last season.”
Luca Rossi, President of Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group:“Embarking on a new MotoGP season alongside Ducati Corse fills us with tremendous excitement. In the last few years, the Ducati Lenovo Team has been nothing short of phenomenal, achieving remarkable milestones, notably winning the Rider’s World Championship for two consecutive years with Francesco Bagnaia. This season, the battle for the Title will be even harder. Still, we believe in the dedication and expertise of each member of the Team, as well as in the qualities of our talented riders, who have demonstrated to be able to face challenges with the spirit of true champions. We’re proud to stand by their side doing what we do best: nurture innovation, improve performance, and help every person to unleash their utmost potential.”
Enea Bastianini.
Enea Bastianini.
Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team): “I’m thrilled to kick off my fourth season with the Ducati Lenovo Team. The last test in Valencia provided positive feedback, giving us a solid foundation for the upcoming season’s development work. I’m eager to hit the track and pick up where we left off. It’s bound to be a challenging season, but we’re ready to face it with our usual determination. As a close-knit team, we’ll give our best to aim for the Championship once again.”
Enea Bastianini (#23, Ducati Lenovo Team): “2023 was a challenging year, and I look forward to redeeming myself in the upcoming season. We have an exciting 2024 ahead of us. Despite participating in only a few Grands Prix last year, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I’ll carry into the new season. I have great confidence in my Team, and I know we have all the potential to do well. I can’t wait to hit the track and start the new season.”
Triumph Motorcycles is the latest winner of the prestigious Torrens Trophy. The Torrens Trophy has been awarded to Britain’s highest achievers in motorcycling and motorcycle racing – riders, engineers, manufacturers, and important personalities within these worlds – since the 1970s.
The Torrens Trophy has been awarded to Britain’s highest achievers in motorcycling and motorcycle racing – riders, engineers, manufacturers, and important personalities within these worlds – since the 1970s.
Former racer Barrie Baxter, Chairman of the Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee said: “It gives us enormous pleasure to award the 2023 Torrens Trophy to Triumph for its amazing work in the Moto2TM World Championship, motorcycling’s number two grand prix series. The company has provided engines for the entire Moto2 grid for the past five seasons, proving to the world that its engineering and technology can thrive in arguably the toughest bike racing series of them all”.
It doesn’t really need to be said that these riders demand everything and more from their engines, which must therefore be capable of surviving serious abuse. During Triumph Racing’s five years in Moto2 its three-cylinder 765 engines have covered more than one million kms, achieving 95 race and outright lap records, enabling 21 different riders to win a Moto2 race.
Triumph Racing has thus done a great service to the MotoGP paddock and to the Triumph name, proving that a renowned brand has risen again to prove itself at the very forefront of high-performance motorcycling.
Nick Bloor, Triumph Motorcycles CEO added:“This award is a real honour, and a tribute to the hard work and passion of our Triumph Racing team. Our world-class engineers are always looking at new ways to enhance the engine performance, from speed, power and torque, to revs, cylinder pressure and compression ratio. This has enabled us to deliver improvements on track each season, from shorter race times to faster top speeds, which has contributed to closer, even more exciting, racing.
Nick Bloor “This award is a real honour, and a tribute to the hard work and passion of our Triumph Racing team.”
“Moto2 is also an excellent platform to showcase the durability, reliability and class-leading performance of our 765 triple engines on the road. Over the last five years we’ve used the race engine programme to drive enhancements and gain insights that we’ve used to further develop and evolve our new Street Triple 765 range, which has successfully driven demand and sales across the world. It’s a partnership that we are excited to be continuing until 2029.”
Triumph’s five Moto2 champions since 2019 are Alex Marquez, Enea Bastianini, Remy Gardner, Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta. Four of these riders will be in MotoGP this year and almost half the current MotoGP grid has scored grands prix victories on Triumph-powered Moto2 bikes – another massive testament to the power of Triumph.
This year Triumph Racing will also enter the motocross world championships for the first time, while also attacking the hugely popular American Supercross and Pro Motocross championships.
Five Previous Torrens Trophy winners
2022 Mike Trimby, for his tireless work to improve circuit safety and represent the riders, teams and commercial side of MotoGP.
2021 The Crescent Yamaha team for winning the riders’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles in the FIM World Superbike Championship.
2020 Emma Bristow for claiming her seventh consecutive FIM Women’s Trial World Championship.
2019 Peter Hickman for his three Isle of Man TT victories and for setting the world’s fastest road race lap record of 136.415mph at the Ulster GP.
2018 Tai Woffinden for being the most successful British speedway rider in history.
2017 Jonathan Rea MBE for being the first rider to win three consecutive World Superbike Championships.
The Torrens Trophy The Royal Automobile Club has always had a close association with the motorcycling world. The Club formed the Auto Cycle Club in 1903, which went on to become the Auto Cycle Union in 1947. The first motorcycle race was held on the Isle of Man in 1905 for cars – two years before the first Tourist Trophy for motorcycles.
The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skilful motorcycling in the United Kingdom.
The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skilful motorcycling in the United Kingdom, or to have made an outstanding contribution of technical excellence to further the cause of motorcycling in the UK, or to have shown outstanding skill in international motorcycling sporting events in the United Kingdom.
The Torrens Trophy was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motorcycling journalist who wrote a column under the name ‘Torrens’. Arthur Bourne was also a Vice-Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. It is awarded only when the Club feels that the achievement justifies it.
After Ducati announced last October 24 its entry into the world of motocross with a range of models that will be available on the market in the next few years, Ducati Corse Off-Road has now presented the two prototypes that will be ridden by Antonio Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino in 2024!
Ducati has now presented the two prototypes that will be ridden by Antonio Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino in 2024!
The Desmo450 MX was presented on the PalaCampiglio stage in the racing livery that it will sport in competition this year – in the Italian Motocross Pro – Prestige MX1 Championship – by the Ducati Corse R&D – Factory MX Team managed by Corrado and Marco Maddii. Ducati say the target of this first season of racing is mainly to acquire data and information in racing to contribute to the development of the Desmo450 MX that will go into production in the second half of 2025.
Alessandro Lupino.
Alessandro Lupino.
It will be Alessandro Lupino who will take part in all the rounds of the Italian Championship, as well as in an intense testing program, in which he will be joined by Antonio Cairoli. The race debut of the Ducati Desmo450 MX is planned for March 16 and 17 in Mantua for the first round of the Italian Motocross Pro Prestige MX1 Championship.
Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding): “It is a great pleasure to inaugurate another Ducati racing season in Madonna di Campiglio, a location that perfectly expresses the values of ‘Made in Italy’ of which we are proud ambassadors and which last year represented the starting point of an unforgettable season. The path that has led us to be the best in the world in racing is undoubtedly made up of the hard daily work of these years, but also of our ability to work as a team and have fun while putting our maximum effort into what we do.”
Antonio Cairoli.
Antonio Cairoli.
“One of the strong elements of our brand is the ability to create a system and today we demonstrate this by jointly presenting the official teams for the 2024 season: the Ducati Lenovo Team, the Aruba.it – Racing Ducati Team and the novelty represented by the Ducati Corse R&D – Factory MX Team. Seeing the three bikes next to each other was a great emotion for me because, although different from each other, they are part of a single project. This belonging is underlined by the basic colour of the liveries, Ducati Red, the same for all, and also by a completely new graphic that recalls the curve present in the Ducati logo, inspired by the most exciting part of riding a motorbike: the bend. At the same time, these bikes are also an expression of the path that Ducati has taken in recent years, investing in its future.”
“The entry into motocross is in fact the clear example that our will to improve and our desire to win have no limits. In these two days we will have the opportunity to give ourselves the right energy for a season that promises to be full of challenges, in which we will try to confirm our leadership in the main track racing world championships and demonstrate our capabilities in a new terrain such as specialist off-road. Challenges have always encouraged us to bring out the best and we feel absolutely ready.”
We are saddened to report that the Go Show has passed away. Just about every rider over the age of 35 has a Go Show story to tell, a way that Anthony impacted them, influenced them, or inspired them. It is safe to say, Anthony was a character and shone brighter than the average human being.
It is with great sadness that we report today that Anthony Gobert, ‘The Go Show’, peacefully passed away yesterday.
Anthony went into palliative care approximately one week prior, on the Gold Coast, Queensland, after a brief illness. Gobert won everything there was to win on the dirt. As a young motocross and supercross fan, I was in awe of Anthony. Here was this superhuman, only one month older than me, and already a multiple (I mean dozens) supercross and motocross champion in the junior ranks. I would ride my RM80 around the local laneways in my Go The Rat jersey and imagine I was The Go Show… He was the real deal!
I remember he went to the senior ranks and again, being the same age of about 16, I could not believe this guy was racing up the front with all the big names on the big bikes. Can you imagine being the fastest rider in the country on a 250 when you are only 16? And even riding up front on a KX500!
Anthony Gobert Muzzy Kawasaki.
Around the outside of Slight out of Stoner corner. The Go Show would eventually pass Aaron around the outside of Honda after several thrilling attempts. People still talk about that move!
To me and many of my friends, Anthony was a God. I’m up the Old Pacific Highway on a weekend riding up and down on my TZR250, on P Plates, and this guy the same age as me is a factory superbike rider! But for me, it was 1994 and 1995 that Anthony ‘The Go Show’ Gobert truly made an impact on my life. Without going too deep, 1994 saw me move to a big, bright, modern bike shop in Sydney, a Kawasaki dealership called Parry’s Kawasaki. It was a year of extreme personal tragedy for me, and at the same time one of the best years of my life. It’s strange how that happens…
Gobert was out there battling the likes of Troy Corser and Aaron Slight… and winning!
I could have gone either way with life, but I focussed on bikes to get me through and with a bit of a push from my bosses Ian and Bill Furlong and work mates and friends, and a previous push from my ex-boss Len Willing, I started planning to begin racing from late 1994. The late nights building my RGV250, the Gobert posters (then on an RC45) as motivation… I could go on.
What happened later that year when Anthony stepped ontop the Muzzys Kawasaki at Phillip Island WorldSBK is a thing of legend. Etched in the minds of millions of fans. It was the most inspirational thing I had ever seen in my life, and I still recall it on WorldSBK Classics when I need something to motivate me and give me a push.
Gobert on the Lucky Strike Suzuki.
Gobert on the Lucky Strike Suzuki.
The Go Show had arrived, and the hype was like nothing there had ever been. The 1995 WorldSBK season was so exciting… He added colour and fun, incredible battles and made racing cool. He arrived in the motorcycle racing scene with the same impact that Nirvana made when they released Nevermind. It was fresh, fun, connected with an entire generation that were begging for something alternative… What a legend…
The leathers off and throwing them into the crowd at Phillip Island… man, what an epic stunt. One of so, so many. Watching from afar, as a fan, I only ever saw a smiling, laughing, happy human being (well, he was an alien on a bike). Millions of us never knew what was going on inside that head of his. We don’t need to go down that track… But it must have been so difficult for him and his family… Fame like that at that age? Phew…
Back at the Kawasaki dealership, things changed rapidly. They say what wins on Sunday sells on Monday. Well let me tell you, we were busy pre delivering Kawasaki ZXR750s and then ZX-7R for years, daily, after Anthony hit the scene. Every fan wanted a ZXR and a Gobert replica AGV. It was crazy… and exciting, and that was just one shop of hundreds around the globe that would have been experiencing the Go Show hype…
Anthony Gobert.
Anthony Gobert.
Over the years ahead, I would become a publisher and meet Anthony many times at a professional level and at various race meetings, and he would always say hi and have a chat. I only saw his troubled side out in the open two more times after that GP, and aside from that, it was always a positive experience. I even had the pleasure of sharing a track with him when I rode the Joe Rocket Honda superbike in an ASBK round one year and Anthony was also on a Honda…
Fogarty, Gobert and Corser, Australian SBK 1995. Gobert still as a teenager on the top step of the podium.
The thousands of posts and comments about Anthony’s passing already on social media really say something about this man. He was only on the scene at the top of his game for a short period in the scheme of things, but he made more on an impact than any rider in our generation… I do wish he could read all of the comments of love and support. Maybe he can. Hopefully he is up there ripping a massive wheelie! Rip #23. Jeff Ware
Early Life and Career
Born March 5th 1975 in Greenacre, NSW
Begins his career in dirt racing aged 10
1989 – Wins the New Zealand Supercross Championships 12-13 years old category
1990 – Wins the New Zealand Supercross Championships 14-15 years old category
1990 – Wins the Australian Restricted License Holders title
1991 – He becomes the youngest ever rider to win both the 1991 125cc Australian Supercross Championship and National Supercross titles
1992 – Leads from the start and wins the premier 250cc class against names like Glen Bell, Craig Dack and Eddie Warren
1993 – Anthony leaves dirt racing to pursue road racing
Early WorldSBK Career
1993 – Gobert races in the Australian Superbikes quickly climbing the ranks of 250 Proddie and Superbike Class riding an RGV250 and Honda RC30
1994 – Gobert wins the Australian Superbike Championship on a Honda RC45
1994 – He makes his debut in World Superbikes on a Honda for one round at Sugo, Japan
1994 – Gobert switches to Kawasaki for the Australian round, gets a podium in Race 1 before winning Race 2… On his Kawasaki debut at 19 years old.
1995 – Anthony signs with Kawasaki for a full WorldSBK season under the management of the legendary Rob Muzzy.
1995 – The Go-Show wins three races and scores three podiums in his first full time season
1995 – He finishes the season in fourth behind the WSBK regulars – Carl Fogarty, Troy Corser and Aaron Slight.
1996 – Gobert wins three more races on the Kawasaki including a clean sweep at his home race of Phillip Island
Gobert Goes To 500GP!
1997 – Gobert replaces Scott Russell on the factory Lucky Strike Suzuki team
1997 – Scores a best finish of seventh at the Austrian GP
1997 – Dismissed from the team mid-season
AMA Superbikes And Success A Wildcard
1998 – Signs with the Vance & Hines Ducati Team
1998 – See’s success aboard the Ducati, proving he can ride anything given to him
1999 – Gobert wins a WorldSBK Race at Laguna Seca as a Wildcard! A clean sweep was in sight before he came off and his teammate won Race 2
1999 – Back to 500GP for three rounds with MuZ Walker Team
The Final Years Of Gobert’s Career
2000 – Signs to Bimota for a full season
2000 – Gobert proves he’s unbeatable at Phillip Island by scoring a win on the SB8R
2000 – The Bimota team folds but they name a streetbike after the Go Show, the SB8K
2000 – He hits the BSB championship for three rounds on the Virgin Mobile Yamaha, no wins but shows promise on a bike he was new to
2000 – The final time Gobert throws a leg over a 500GP machine, Kenny Roberts’ KR3 Modenas Team.
2001 – 2003 – The Go Show heads back to the USA for AMA to ride the YZF-R7 in the premier class and the YZF-R6 in the Supersport class. Before moving to a Ducati for 2003
2006 – Gobert replaces David Checa for a few rounds on the World Supersport Yamaha for two rounds.
2007 – Anthony’s final season on a motorcycle, racing a Kawasaki in the Australia Superbike series.
A superb final round clean sweep from Troy Herfoss in the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, at The Bend has secured the Queenslander a stunning third Australian Superbike title!
Troy Herfoss has done it again! Claiming the 2023 ASBK championship in style at The Bend.
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Paris Hardwick side by side down the main straight during Friday free practice at the Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss pulls a stoppie before entering the pits at the Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Penrite Honda Racing, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Josh Waters, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Josh Waters, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
Josh Waters.
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Mike Jones, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Josh Waters, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Cru Halliday, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Mike Jones, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
Cru Halliday.
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Broc Pearson, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
Peerless across every measure, but with championship rival Josh Waters (McMartin Racing with K-Tech Ducati V4R) alongside him on the front row the celebrations will be short and sweet for Herfoss.
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Mike Jones, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Josh Waters, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. %%captureTime_d MMM yyyy%%. Final round of the Australian Superbike Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 1 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
The Queenslander turned up the wick on his Penrite Honda CBR1000RR-R in the second Alpinestars Superbike qualifying session at The Bend, and the spoils were spectacular: the first rider to go under the 1m50s bracket.
TAILEM BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2 Dec 2023. Glenn Allerton(14), GT Racing BMW at the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2 Dec 2023. Max Stauffer(27), GTR MotoStars Team Yamaha YZF-R1M at the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2 Dec 2023. Cru Halliday(65), Yamaha Racing Team at the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2 Dec 2023. Mark Chiodo(2), Honda at the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2 Dec 2023. Mike Jones(1), Yamaha Racing Team at the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2 Dec 2023. Arthur Sissis(61), Unitech Racing Yamaha YZF-R1M at the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2 Dec 2023. Cru Halliday(65), Yamaha Racing Team at the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 2 December, 2023. Mike Jones, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
Mike Jones.
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 2 December, 2023. Cru Halliday, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 2 December, 2023. Ted Collins, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
Broc Pearson.
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 2 December, 2023. Cru Halliday, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 2 December, 2023. Troy Herfoss, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 2 December, 2023. Bryan Staring, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 2 December, 2023. Josh Waters, Australian Superbike Championship, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
Troy Herfoss.
Herfoss defeated Waters in a tight race one finish, before a mid-race crash from Waters in the decider took all the pressure off the new 2023 champion, who signed off from his career with Honda in fairytale fashion.
Herfoss’ previous ASBK titles came in 2016 and 2018, while it’s now a dominant 12 championships for Honda in the 35-year history of Australia’s premier road racing category.
Race two saw Stauffer and Staring both crash out within the first two laps, but the most telling departure was Waters after losing the front end on his V4R at turn six while in second place.
The opening 11-lap race saw Herfoss lead from start to finish, with Waters running line astern for the majority of the journey save for a brief period when defending ASBK champion Mile Jones slotted into second.
Michelin Supersport
Ty Lynch.
TAILEM BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2 Dec 2023. Olly Simpson(45), Yamaha at the final round of the Australian Supersport Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
THE BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 2 December, 2023. Pictured, Olly Simpson(45) at the final round of the Australian Supersport Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
Olly Simpson.
Michelin Supersport is also delicately poised, with returning internationals Harrison Voight and Tom Toparis leading the qualifying charts ahead of the three riders vying for the championship: Olly Simpson, Cameron Dunker and Ty Lynch.
THE BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 1 December, 2023. Pictured, Olly Simpson(45) at the final round of the Australian Supersport Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
THE BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 1 December, 2023. Pictured, Cameron Dunker(3) at the final round of the Australian Supersport Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
THE BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 1 December, 2023. Pictured, Jack Favelle at the final round of the Australian Supersport Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
THE BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 1 December, 2023. Pictured, Olly Simpson at the final round of the Australian Supersport Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
THE BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 1 December, 2023. Pictured, Mitch Simpson at the final round of the Australian Supersport Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
Sunday Supersport 600 The Bend.
Tom Toparis.
The final race of the year was almost a mirror image of the opener as Simpson and Voight diced with each other and Dunker eventually settled into fourth behind Jonathan Nahlous (Complete AV YZF-R6) to wrap up the championship.
Supersport 300 & R3 Cup
Brandon Demmery.
Cameron Swain.
TAILEM BEND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2 Dec 2023. Cameron Swain(26), Yamaha (right) leads Henry Snell(12), Yamaha, Tara Morrison(95), Kawasaki at the final round of the Australian Supersport 300 Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park. Credit Karl Phillipson/Optikal
Marcus Hamod is the 2023 Supersport 300 champion after a 3-1-1 scorecard in the final round saw him finish on 327pts, just in front of Cameron Swain (323). Brandon Demmery (300pts) was third.
SUREFLIGHT SUPERBIKE MASTERS
Only one 2023 champion was crowned today: Keo Watson in the popular Sureflight Superbike Masters class.
TAILEM BEND, AUSTRALIA 2 December, 2023. LTR: Keo Watson (2nd), Dave Johnson (1st), Ryan Taylor (3rd), on the podium following Race 1 of the Australian Superbike Masters, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. Credit: Karl Phillipson/Optikal
Sureflight Superbike Masters.
Keo Watson (Yamaha FZR1000) already had the overall title in his keeping, and he finished first and second on Sunday to increase his lead in the final standings to a whopping 77pts (228 to 151) over Murray Clark (Suzuki GSX-R1127).
A superb final round clean sweep from Troy Herfoss in the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, at The Bend has secured the Queenslander a stunning third Australian Superbike title. Check out all the action below… Release: MA
Troy Herfoss has done it again! Claiming the 2023 ASBK championship in style at The Bend.
Saturday
Alpine Superbike
Troy Herfoss was determined to make his Honda swansong a fairytale after unleashing a towering qualifying performance in round seven of the 2023 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul.
Troy Herfoss was determined to make his Honda swansong a fairytale after unleashing a towering qualifying performance in round seven of the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship.
The Queenslander turned up the wick on his Penrite Honda CBR1000RR-R in the second Alpinestars Superbike qualifying session at The Bend, and the spoils were spectacular: the first rider to go under the 1m50s bracket at the world-class 4.95km circuit.
The Queenslander turned up the wick on his Penrite Honda CBR1000RR-R in the second Alpinestars Superbike qualifying session at The Bend, and the spoils were spectacular: the first rider to go under the 1m50s bracket.
“I have never done a qualifying lap that good,” the ebullient 36-year-old said. “I was hoping I could do a 1:49 but I didn’t think it would actually happen. I know it was just qualifying but it’s the most fun I’ve had in one minute and 49 seconds in my life! It’s a pretty emotional weekend and I want to finish it off in the best possible way and work out what I want to do after that.” said Herfoss.
Mike Jones.
Broc Pearson.
Herfoss’ pole-sitting time was 0.409s ahead of Waters (1:50.298), followed by Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R1, 1:50.312), Max Stauffer (GTR Moto Stars YZF-R1, 1:50.550) and Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team, 1:50.688).
Peerless across every measure, but with championship rival Josh Waters (McMartin Racing with K-Tech Ducati V4R) alongside him on the front row the celebrations will be short and sweet for Herfoss.
Glenn Allerton (GT Racing BMW M 1000 RR, 1:50.881) will complete row two Sunday, with Bryan Staring (MotoGo YZF-R1, 1:51.265), South Australian Arthus Sissis (Unitech Racing YZF-R1, 1:51.274) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track YZF-R1, 1:51.325) on row three.
Michelin Supersport is also delicately poised, with returning internationals Harrison Voight and Tom Toparis leading the qualifying charts ahead of the three riders vying for the championship: Olly Simpson, Cameron Dunker and Ty Lynch.
Michelin Supersport Michelin Supersport is also delicately poised, with returning internationals Harrison Voight and Tom Toparis leading the qualifying charts ahead of the three riders vying for the championship: Olly Simpson, Cameron Dunker and Ty Lynch.
Last year’s double winner Voight (Voight Construction Yamaha YZF-R6) will start from pole position after setting the new best lap around The Bend – 1:54.618. Toparis (Cube Racing Stop & Seal YZF-R6, 1:54.770) and Simpson (Simpson Crash YZF-R6, 1:54.825) are right on Voight’s hammer, so we’re unlikely to see a runaway winner – it’s going to be a tight affair.
Tom Toparis.
Olly Simpson.
Ty Lynch.
Cameron Dunker.
Meanwhile, Dunker (GTR Moto Stars YZF-R6, 1:55.322), the championship leader, knows what final round pressure is all about, and he’ll start from grid position No. 4 alongside Lynch (AMR Sports YZF-R6, 1:55.571) and Harry Khouri (Addicted to Track YZF-R6, 1:57.851) – another Aussie expat back in town for the ASBK finale.
R3 Cup/Supersport 300
Two races also await the Supersport cohort Sunday, while three of the other SBK classes – Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, Supersport 300 and bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup – are already in competition mode but remain ‘live’ rubbers.
Cameron Swain.
Brandon Demmery.
After a forced restart following an Abbie Cameron crash which brought out the red flag, the racing in the Supersport 300 opener was as tight as ever before boiling down to a three-way fight between Cameron Swain, Brodie Gawith and Marcus Hamod.
And that’s how they finished in a blanket finish, with Swain victorious by just 0.013s to move into the title lead by 9ts over Hamod. The Yamaha Finance R3 Cup produced more Swain magic as he claimed the spoils from Gawith, while Hamod just held out Henry Snell and Jordan Simpson for third. Swain also holds sway in R3 Cup by 9pts, with two races remaining in each class.
bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup
Polesitter Archie Schmidt won race one in the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup after a nail-biting finish saw him execute a perfectly timed pass on Jake Paige on the last turn. The pair, in a very unusual OJC scenario, cleared out from the main pack, with Rikky Henry finishing in a lonely third before the pack tightened up. Schmidt also set a new lap record of 2:30.941 in a brilliant OJC outing. He now has a 9pt lead over Bodie Paige, who was fourth in race one.
Only one 2023 champion was crowned today: Keo Watson in the popular Sureflight Superbike Masters class.
Sureflight Superbike Masters
Only one 2023 champion was crowned: Keo Watson in the popular Sureflight Superbike Masters class. Watson heads into the Sunday with a championship under his belt.
The Sureflight Superbike Masters grid was stacked with Aussie racing legends: three-time MotoGP winner Garry McCoy Yamaha TZ750), Isle of Man Classic TT winner David Johnson (Suzuki Katana) and dual World Superbike champion Troy Corser (Yamaha 0W01).
Sureflight Superbike Masters.
Sureflight Superbike Masters.
Sureflight Superbike Masters.
Watson and Ryan Taylor (Suzuki GSX-R1100) completed the podium in race one, and in race two McCoy was runner-up ahead of Taylor. McCoy had earlier fluffed the race one start on the big two-stroke before slicing his way back to fourth.
Alpine Superbikes A superb final round clean sweep from Troy Herfoss in the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, at The Bend has secured the Queenslander a third Australian Superbike title.
The 36-year-old was peerless in round seven Alpinestars Superbike action on the South Australian circuit, with his maximum points haul on the immaculately prepared Penrite Honda CBR1000RR-R.
The 36-year-old was peerless in round seven Alpinestars Superbike action on the South Australian circuit, with his maximum points haul on the immaculately prepared Penrite Honda CBR1000RR-R keeping the door firmly shut on his main championship rival, Josh Waters (McMartin Racing with K-Tech Ducati V4R).
Herfoss defeated Waters in a tight race one finish, before a mid-race crash from Waters in the decider took all the pressure off the new 2023 champion, who signed off from his career with Honda in fairytale fashion.
Herfoss defeated Waters in a tight race one finish, before a mid-race crash from Waters in the decider took all the pressure off the new 2023 champion, who signed off from his career with Honda in fairytale fashion. After the anguish of losing previous ASBK Championships by slim margins, today’s victory was all about pure adulation.
Troy Herfoss.
Broc Pearson.
Herfoss completed the seven-round championship on 344pts, ahead of Waters (324) and Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R1, 260), the latter nabbing third from Glenn Allerton (GT Racing BMW M 1000 RR, 259) at the death knell.
As well as the two race wins and the championship spoils, Herfoss now owns the fastest Superbike lap around the 4.95km circuit – icing on the cake for what was a brutally efficient campaign from first practice on Friday until today’s heroics. Herfoss methodically piled on the pressure bit by bit, which ultimately proved too much for the opposition – even Waters.
Herfoss’ previous ASBK titles came in 2016 and 2018, while it’s now a dominant 12 championships for Honda in the 35-year history of Australia’s premier road racing category.
“It doesn’t get any better than this, as the riders I compete against are so hard to beat,” said “Herfoss. To be able to finish up with Honda with a championship is just incredible. We have grown a lot as a team this year and just got better and better. And this is the best I have ever ridden a motorbike. But I want to pay credit to my opposition, and particularly Josh who I also battled with in the 2017 championship. He’s such a tough competitor and literally rode his bike into the ground to try and beat me. And I know he’s in a lot of pain with his injuries: I’ve got a of respect for him and his team.”
The opening 11-lap race saw Herfoss lead from start to finish, with Waters running line astern for the majority of the journey save for a brief period when defending ASBK champion Mile Jones slotted into second.
The opening 11-lap race saw Herfoss lead from start to finish, with Waters running line astern for the majority of the journey save for a brief period when defending ASBK champion Mile Jones (Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R1) slotted into second. Waters’ move back into second coincided with Herfoss setting a new race lap record (1m50.529s), which saw him stretch his lead to just under one second.
Josh Waters.
Cru Halliday.
Waters dug in his heels, though, and he was running with Herfoss by the final lap. However, Herfoss was impregnable and held on by 0.253sec and increased his championship lead to 6pts, with the slow-starting Halliday third ahead of Jones, Allerton, Max Stauffer (GTR Moto Stars YZF-R1), Bryan Staring (MotoGo YZF-R1) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track YZF-R1).
Race two saw Stauffer and Staring both crash out within the first two laps, but the most telling departure was Waters after losing the front end on his V4R at turn six while in second place.
Race two saw Stauffer and Staring both crash out within the first two laps, but the most telling departure was Waters after losing the front end on his V4R at turn six while in second place. He remounted and finished 10th, but Herfoss only had to keep his powder dry over the final four laps to guarantee championship success. He was duly untroubled, and could even acknowledge the crowd on the final lap – an early reward for a stellar season which yielded eight wins and 12 podiums.
Herfoss 2023 ASBK Champion.
Herfoss 2023 ASBK Champion.
Halliday passed Jones on the final lap in the battle for second, while Allerton was fourth from West, Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati), Marcus Chiodo (CBR100RR-R) and Ted Collins (Livson Racing M 1000 RR). Halliday’s rich vein of season-ending form saw him finish third in the championship.
Michelin Supersport
History was created during the final round of the 2023 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, when Cameron Dunker became the youngest winner of the Michelin Supersport title since its inception 30 years ago. And the icing on the cake? Dunker turned 16 on the day of his championship success.
History was created during the final round of the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, when Cameron Dunker became the youngest winner of the Supersport title.
“It’s a dream come true, because at the beginning of the season I had no idea this would be possible,” said a delighted Dunker. As the year went on it started to take shape, and me to be champion is something I will be very proud of for many years. It has also given me extra confidence I can take into the future. I’d like to thank my team, my family and everyone else who has been a part of this journey. It’s going to take a while to sink in.”
Sunday Supersport 600 The Bend.
Sunday Supersport 600 The Bend.
Coming into the round Dunker (GTR Moto Stars Yamaha YZF-R6) was in a title fight with South Australians Olly Simpson (Simpson Crash YZF-R6) and Ty Lynch (AMR Sports YZF-R6). Adding to the spectacle was the return of some fast Aussies from overseas, led by 17-year-old Harrison Voight.
In race one, Voight led off the line but it wasn’t long before Simpson muscled his way into the lead with the knowledge that he had to win both races for any chance of wresting the title from Dunker’s grasp.
In race one, Voight led off the line but it wasn’t long before Simpson muscled his way into the lead with the knowledge that he had to win both races for any chance of wresting the title from Dunker’s grasp. Dunker was smart letting them duke it out, quite content to watch the drama unfold in front of him. Voight won the race from Simpson by just 0.019sec after overtaking him on the drag to the line.
The final race of the year was almost a mirror image of the opener as Simpson and Voight diced with each other and Dunker eventually settled into fourth behind Jonathan Nahlous (Complete AV YZF-R6) to wrap up the championship.
The final race of the year was almost a mirror image of the opener as Simpson and Voight diced with each other and Dunker eventually settled into fourth behind Jonathan Nahlous (Complete AV YZF-R6) to wrap up the championship. Voight won again from Simpson to make it a perfect weekend with pole position, a lap record and two race wins.
SUPERSPORT 300 AND YAMAHA FINANCE R3 CUP
Marcus Hamod is the 2023 Supersport 300 champion after a 3-1-1 scorecard in the final round saw him finish on 327pts, just in front of Cameron Swain (323). Brandon Demmery (300pts) was third.
Marcus Hamod is the 2023 Supersport 300 champion after a 3-1-1 scorecard in the final round saw him finish on 327pts, just in front of Cameron Swain (323). Brandon Demmery (300pts) was third.
Cameron Swain was initially awarded the championship before a protest was lodged against him for passing under a yellow flag in race two. The protest was upheld, and Cameron Swain was demoted from first to second in the race – and by the same spot in the championship.
Swain wasn’t left empty-handed, though: he won the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup after 1-1-5 results over the weekend.
Swain wasn’t left empty-handed, though: he won the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup after 1-1-5 results over the weekend. He finished on 297pts, from Brodie Gawith (287) and Henry Snell (276). Gawith was second in all three races, with Hamod, Jordy Simpson and Snell filling the podium places.
SUREFLIGHT SUPERBIKE MASTERS
Keo Watson (Yamaha FZR1000) already had the overall title in his keeping, and he finished first and second on Sunday to increase his lead in the final standings to a 77pts (228 to 151) over Murray Clark (Suzuki GSX-R1127), with Ryan Taylor (Suzuki GSX-R1100, 138) in third. Sunday’s race two was won by David Johnson (Suzuki Katana), while Garry McCoy (Yamaha TZ750) also finished on the podium.
Keo Watson (Yamaha FZR1000) already had the overall title in his keeping, and he finished first and second on Sunday to increase his lead in the final standings to a whopping 77pts (228 to 151) over Murray Clark (Suzuki GSX-R1127).
OJC
Another breathtaking year of bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup competition came to an end at The Bend circuit in South Australia on December 3, with teenage sensation Archie Schmidt winning the title emphatically after a trio of victories.
Another breathtaking year of bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup competition came to an end at The Bend circuit in South Australia on December 3, with teenage sensation Archie Schmidt winning the title emphatically after a trio of victories.
As the intensity grew in every race – the lap record was broken on consecutive occasions – Schmidt was equal to the task as he completed the title on 327pts ahead of Bodie Paige (297) and Haydn Fordyce (277).
As usual, there were thrills, some spills and wafer-thin winning margins, all on the free-flowing circuit where the diminutive and bulletproof Yamaha YZF-R15s were stretched to their limit. Race one on Saturday saw Schmidt best Jake Paige and Rikki Henry, with the latter then finishing on the tail of Schmidt in Sunday’s two instalments. Bodie Paige and Valentino Knezovic also scored podium finishes.
What an amazing season it has been for Ducati across multiple international championships. Álvaro Bautista came out victorious for 2023 on his Aruba.it Ducati V4 R in the World Superbike Championship. Check out all the best shots!
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 628
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 552
3. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 370
4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 327
5. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 251
Both Jonathan Rea and Alvaro Bautista went down at Turn 4 in FP2, while Toprak Razgatlioglu had an FP1 crash at Turn 10.
It also warrants mention that Gardner impressively recorded the fastest lap time on both days of the post-season test at Jerez, which will certainly give him some crucial confidence heading into next year.
An incredible move at Turn 3 allowed Bautista to claim victory using the #1 plate after a wet first race of the year in Australia started the season in style.
Bautista started from second place but got the holeshot at the start of the race before being passed by Rea, who took his 378th WorldSBK start in Race 1 and moved ahead of Troy Corser.
Behind the leading duo, it was a bit of a lonely race for polesitter Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) as he finished in third place but six seconds down on Bautista.
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing) was another who gained places throughout the race as he took seventh place.
Philipp Oettl concluded Day 1 in fifth as the fastest Independent rider.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi was the lead Ducati rider in second ahead of teammate and 2022 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista, with only 0.035s separating them.
Six-time Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) took seventh spot after he lost time and positions on the opening lap after he was forced wide by Dominique Aegerter.
Behind the two Ducati riders, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) claimed his first podium of the season with third place.
Razgatlioglu looked to make a move around the outside of Lowes heading into Turn 4 on Lap 17. Lowes lost the front of his ZX-10RR machine heading into Miller Corner, the right-hand hairpin, which collected Razgatlioglu.
Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was able to fight his way up to sixth place behind Oettl and Bassani while double WorldSSP Champion Dominique Aegerter.
Rea’s second was his 247th in WSBK, as well as his 24th at Assen which puts the track level with Aragon and Portimao.
Rea crashed out in the first half of the race, promoting Bassani to third, Locatelli then fought for the podium spot…
The battle for the lead involved Bautista, Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in the early stages of the race with all three taking their chance to lead throughout the race.
Bassani was fifth at the end of the race, ahead of Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), who passed Lowes and Redding in the closing stages, in sixth.
History was made in WorldSBK at Assen as Ducati claimed their 400th WorldSBK win after Bautista’s hat-trick.
As the race approached the final few laps, Bautista started to pull out a gap over Rea to claim victory in the Superpole Race and claim first on the grid for Race 2.
Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) went head to head with Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).
Bautista’s victory gave him his 46th win in WorldSBK and is now on a streak of 10 consecutive wins in WorldSBK, while he also has 14 wins in 15 races this season with his fourth hat-trick of the season.
Bautista was one of two riders to use the SCX tyre as everyone else opted for the new SCQ at Misano.
Bautista and Rinaldi gave the Italian fans something to cheer by taking a race one Ducati 1-2 at Misano.
Razgatlioglu had to withstand some early pressure from Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) but the 2021 Champion was able to resist that pressure before pulling out a gap over his rivals.
WorldSBK Misano Tissot Superpole.
WorldSBK Misano Tissot Superpole.
Second gave Razgatlioglu his 100th WorldSBK podium and his 16th consecutive rostrum finish; the joint sixth-longest all-time streak.
The reigning Champion battled hard for victory at Imola as he edged closer to history while Toprak Razgatlioglu claimed his 100th podium on Saturday.
Rea racked up his 252nd podium, while Razgatlioglu and Rea have now shared the podium 75 times together.
The opening laps were a sensational fight in front of the passionate Italian fans.
There was little to separate the pair throughout the first two-thirds but an error from the Turk allowed Bautista to pass him on the run down to Rivazza 1.
On Lap 8, Bassani made his move on Razgatlioglu for first. He looked to overtake into the Villeneuve chicane first but that didn’t work out, before he went up the inside of his rival at the left-hand hairpin of Tosa.
The Turk was able to hold on despite last-lap pressure from the defending Champion to claim his third win of the season and close the gap in the Championship standings by three points.
Toprak Razgatlioglu denied Axel Bassani an emotional maiden victory but gained 25 points on Alvaro Bautista as the reigning Champion crashed out.
The Superpole Race was a stunning affair in Italy as Razgatlioglu beat Bautista by just 0.244s to secure a win.
Razgatlioglu was able to claim his 36th career win and his 102nd podium, while it was also Yamaha’s 410th in WSBK.
The opening laps proved to be beneficial for the wet tyre runners with Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) storming away from fourth on the grid to have a six second lead over Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha) at the end of Lap 2.
Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) concluded the strongest weekend of his WorldSBK career with sixth as he finished three seconds down on Rinaldi.
Bautista didn’t get away well from the line as the lights went out but still found himself into the lead heading into Turn 1, before he tried to pull out a gap.
The win was his 50th in WorldSBK, but it was also a historic one: the 18th win of his season means he has now won more races in one season than any other rider.
Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) also didn’t stop as he claimed fourth place despite starting from the pitlane.
WorldSBK MOST Race One.
WorldSBK MOST Race One.
Rea was able to go with the wet tyre runners in the opening laps while other intermediate riders dropped down, including Razgatlioglu, before battling back.
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Jonathan Rea secured third after making gains before an early-race fight with teammate Alex Lowes, who initially passed the six-time Champion at Turn 5 for third, before falling behind the Ulsterman.
Two laps later and the two Champions were side-by-side throughout much of the lap, with Razgatlioglu holding on to second place before Rea tried another move a lap later.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) bounced back to claim victory in Race 2 at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours as he took advantages of his rivals battling behind him.
The #65 looked to overtake his rival on Lap 3 through Turn 4 and into Turn 5 but the Yamaha star cut back, before Rea made a similar move on Lap 6 and made it stick.
Razgatlioglu now has 107 podiums to his name, only two fewer than Carl Fogarty, while Rea’s moved onto 259 podiums.
Six-time Champion Rea withstood a late charge from Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) to claim third and his 258th podium and his 20th at the iconic French venue.
The #1 put in a series of race lap records to close the gap to his title rival but the 2021 Champion claimed victory by a second to become the first rider to win four consecutive races at Magny-Cours.
There was drama everywhere you looked in France was the title battle closed up again with Razgatlioglu winning ahead of Bautista.
Tissot Superpole Jerez.
At Turn 13, Bautista looked for a move on the inside before the Yamaha cut back to stay ahead on the straight.
Tissot Superpole Jerez.
A race that will live long in the memory: Bautista victorious in unbelievable Razgatlioglu fight with 38 passes for the lead in the final 10 laps, Rea tumbles on Kawasaki farewell.
Bautista got the holeshot when the 20-lap race got underway and immediately looked to pull out a gap over his rivals.
The #77 tumbled down the order in the opening stages after suffering a technical problem…
The two-time Champion continued his stunning form with victory in the 8-lap race…
Dominique Aegerter stormed to a maiden podium after he finished 1.5 seconds away from the two-time Champion.
It’s been a crazy year for MotoGP, with Martin vs Bagnaia coming down to the final race of the year in Valencia. Ultimately, it was another year of domination for all Ducati teams and we saw eight different Grand Prix winners. Check out all the best shots from the season below…
It’s been a crazy year for MotoGP, with Martin vs Bagnaia coming down to the final race of the year in Valencia.
1 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team –467 points 2 Jorge Martin – Prima Pramac Racing –428 points 3 Marco Bezzecchi – Mooney VR46 Racing Team –329 Points 4 Brad Binder – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – 293 points 5 Johan Zarco – Prima Pramac Racing –225 points
2023 Season Best Shots
Australian Red Bull KTM star Jack Miller ended his 2023 MotoGP campaign in mixed fashion, with some solid efforts in Malaysia and Qatar before closing out his campaign with a DNF at Valencia in the finale.
Saturday saw Rins on the podium, surprise errors at the front, some serious charges through the field and a single point in it at the top of the standings…
The race began as the classic Moto3 freight train, but bit by bit a front, smaller group managed to escape: Sasaki, Masia, Artigas, Moreira, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Ortola.
Marini brought home his Ducati for second and a first Grand Prix podium in the MotoGP class.
539 days and 24 Grands Prix have passed since Honda were last on top, and Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) has brought that long wait to an end with a truly impressive ride to glory at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas.
Back at the front, Bagnaia began to stretch out the field as he put down some lightning-fast pace.
The Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas did not disappoint as MotoGP leaves the USA.
Behind Rins’ headline-grabber, Marini made his own as he held station in second once he was past Quartararo, and the Italian takes his first Grand Prix podium!
As the lights went out, it was the perfect start for Pecco as the Italian took the holeshot, with Rins in hot pursuit.
Bagnaia was untouchable once again. Getting on the front early and staying there…
Rins was unstoppable, simply blitzing the field and having some spare time to celebrate.
Martin managed to score his second Tissot Sprint podium of the 2023 season!
There was adrenaline from the moment the lights went out for the Tissot Sprint at the Grand Prix of The Americas.
Marini was shadowing Quartararo’s every move though, and with 3.5s to the battle for 4th behind, the duo were putting the hammer down in hopes of catching the LCR Honda man out front.
Ducati and KTM test the limits of awesomeness in Jerez, with some sideways poetry, pitch perfect defence and a dash of chaos for some big names.
The KTMs still began to pull away from the two Ducatis though, and by four laps to go the gap was half a second.
Bagnaia was forced to drop one position after that earlier contact, letting Miller back past.
Split by just two tenths over the line, it was fitting it went to the wire after a stunning race.
It was a KTM one-two once again, but Martin soon got back past Aleix Espargaro to start bothering Miller again.
It’s been a massive month for our Aussie talent racing internationally. Check out what Edward has for us this month…
take two was another KTM show from lights out as they slotted into a 1-2, with Binder leading Miller as Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) slotting into third.
Ready to race? You bet. The KTMs attacked straight away on take two, with Binder grabbing the lead from Miller and both Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Bagnaia also slicing past polesitter Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing).
Miller unfortunately ended up letting the Ducati through, but still did a spectacular job to stay on the podium.
Marco Bezzecchi made history on Sunday as the race winner at the 1000th FIM Grand Prix! Check out all the action from Le Mans!
A four-rider battle for victory had formed as Miller now found himself with Marquez, Bezzecchi, and Martin for company, before Bezzecchi pushed his way through on Marc Marquez – and dropped the Spaniard from 2nd to 4th.
With six to go, Martin thought it was time to pounce on Marc Marquez. The Spaniard tried to push his way through on the eight-time World Champion, but the Repsol Honda man was not giving in easy.
With 15 laps to go, Bezzecchi had 1.2s in his pocket to Marquez behind, who was 0.5s up the road from Martin, who had found his way through on Miller.
Martin ensured he’s the top scorer at Le Mans this year, and then the home hero reached the flag.
The grid formed in front of the biggest crowd MotoGP has ever seen and it was Marc Marquez who shot into the lead as Bagnaia dropped down the order to P5.
The Tissot Sprint at Le Mans was another jaw dropper throughout the field, and we have a new name in the history books as Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) put in an inch-perfect ride to take his first Sprint win in MotoGP.
Binder was on the move, pushing his way past Marini to set the fastest lap and latch himself onto the back of the top 3.
Marquez pushed his way through at the Dunlop chicane with 8 laps to go…
Martin crossed the line to take his first Sprint win as well as his first Grand Prix points at Le Mans, bouncing back in style as Binder took second to gain in the title fight, ahead of Bagnaia completing the podium.
It was Bagnaia who stormed off the line to take the holeshot as the lights went out, whilst Jack Miller shot into P2.
The front two began to break away as Bagnaia attempted to stretch out the field, with Martin clinging onto the coattails of Pecco as chaos started to unfold behind in the battle for third.
Bagnaia kept it pitch perfect to manage the gap ahead of Martin. It was down to only a second on the final lap, however, as the number 89 pushed on and Zarco homed in on him in turn, but Bagnaia kept it calm.
The pack began to shuffle as the rain came down on the far section of the circuit with nine laps to go.
Chaos at Mugello! Saturday proved Ducati is a force to be reckoned with by locking out the podium on Saturday.
The fight for the final spot in the top 3 was decided by less than a tenth of a second!
The pressure was on for Bagnaia but the #1 responded in true Champions’ fashion stretching out the field with four laps remaining. Bagnaia put the hammer down setting the fastest lap of the race, giving himself some breathing space.
Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Martin, Luca Marini, Bezzecchi, and Miller was the order the first time across the line.
Lap 3, Turn 12 – a change of the lead. Martin pounced on Pecco and with it, the Sprint victor set the fastest lap.
In one of the closest ever finishes at the Sachsenring, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) came out on top against reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) in a duel that went right to the wire.
As Martin crossed the line for another stunning Sprint win, Bagnaia and Miller secured their visits to the rostrum.
So that’s that. An instant classic and a maximum of 37 points means it’s a perfect weekend for Martin in Germany.
Miller got a rocket ship launch on the KTM RC16 once again, he had the inside line for Turn 1 but Bagnaia hung it around the outside to hit the front at Turn 2.
Martin and Bagnaia looked like they were out of reach for the chasing pack. Binder was 2.9s adrift with 17 laps to go, and Bagnaia starting to put pressure on the shoulders of Martin.
Lap 6 ticked by and Martin was asking big questions – a 1:20.990 saw the Spaniard sit eight tenths clear of Bagnaia, who had also now overtaken Miller.
What do you get when you add the two riders at the top of the standings to a record crowd at the Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland? One hell of a show!
Bagnaia tagged the back of the Pramac ahead, with no harm done but some metres lost for the reigning Champion. The race was really, really on now.
Bagnaia did hold on to a crucial P3 as Martin made no mistake to cap off a sensational weekend. Bezzecchi bagged P2 despite his injured hand to gain ground in the title chase.
Disaster then struck for Binder at Turn 14 on Lap 8. The KTM star was down at the tight right-hand hairpin as his podium hopes ended, handing Pedrosa the lead KTM baton.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was back in business at Misano, putting in an inch-perfect performance to take victory.
David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), take a bow. The young Colombian takes his third victory in four races after beating Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in a phenomenal Moto3 battle.
The number 89 is unmatched to deny Bezzecchi a home win as the reigning Champion fights off a Legend and Binder throwns down with everyone else in the Sprint.
Martin led by a second over Bezzecchi as we strapped in for a KTM vs Bagnaia scrap for the final podium place.
With five laps to go, Martin’s gap to Bezzecchi was up to 0.8s as Pedrosa reeled in Bagnaia in by 0.4s.
Martin got the exact launch he’d have wanted from pole as he grabbed the holeshot into Turn 1, as Bagnaia powered his way around the outside of Bezzecchi to grab an early P2.
Martin’s lead grew to over a second for the first time as the #89 began to get the hammer down.
Bagnaia was fading. Pedrosa was coming. 0.7s split the double World Champion from the three-time World Champion, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing).
Pecco held on to third against Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) but Martin wasn’t so lucky, getting shuffled back behind the Italian and left with a little more work to do from fifth.
MotoGP Sepang Sprint.
With five to go Alex Marquez struck with a brutal, clean move for the lead. And then came Martin attacking Bagnaia.
The rider who got the best start on the front row was actually Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). the Beast played it to perfection for teammate Bagnaia as the Championship leader didn’t come under attack as he grabbed the holeshot.
MotoGP Sepang Sprint.
The number 89 was all over the number 1 but he attacked and was denied, attacked and was denied as the two scythed round Sepang near side-by-side. It was stunning, and it could prove important in terms of more than just points.
At the front, Bastianini pounded on. With just over a second in hand, the Beast was keeping very calm as he carried on.
For the final and most important time in 2023 it was time to race. Bagnaia got the dream getaway from pole to grab a crucial holeshot, with Martin also making a fantastic launch to grab an early P2.
With three laps left, 0.3s was still the gap between Pecco and Zarco. But Di Giannantonio was on a mission.
Following a highly dramatic Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, the 2023 MotoGP World Champion is Francesco Bagnaia after Jorge Martin crashed out of the race following an incident at Turn 4 with Marc Marquez.
Five to go. The gap in the Championship was 14 points between Sprint leader Martin and fifth place Pecco
Martin soon got back past Marquez as we watched Bagnaia drop into the clutches of the group behind that included Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – the Frenchman making a phenomenal start.
Bagnaia got a dream launch from P2 to grab the holeshot into Turn 1 as Martin also got away well. Maverick Viñales immediately bit back at Turn 2 with a late lunge on Pecco though as Binder nearly slipped up the inside of Martin.
Martin led Binder, with Bagnaia still holding Diggia behind him. Halfway around the lap, Binder still wasn’t close enough.
It was an immediate shot of adrenaline in the title fight in Turn 1 too, with Marini getting the holeshot as Alex Marquez slotted into second – but there was contact right behind the two between Martin and Bagnaia.
The next move saw Diggia attack Marini for second, and from there the number 49 set off after Martin.
Martin hit back not long after, putting him right back on the rear wheel of Bagnaia. On Lap 2, it got seriously close again as the number 89 opened the door for himself and made it through, with Diggia trying to do the same.
The battle for victory, however, was now a duel: Bagnaia vs Diggia. The laps ticked down and the gap went out to a few tenths then back down, but no move was made in a tense game of chess.
Right at the front though, Bagnaia held firm with a few tenths in hand – ahead of quite a squabble too. Diggia got through on Marini and Alex Marquez tried to follow suit, but had to wait a few corners before he got through.
As the lights went out, everything changed in an instant. Split by just 0.022 and one position on the grid, by the exit of Turn 1 Bagnaia had shot through to steal the holeshot from Marini as Martin suffered a difficult start.
At the front, Bagnaia and Di Giannantonio still had Binder for company, but the gap would start to increase from there on out as the KTM was left to battle Alex Marquez and Marini instead.
